Copper-Electroplating of Biodegradable PCL Nanofiber Mats

Year 2023, Volume: 33 Issue: 3, 305 - 311, 30.09.2023

Serkan Tezel , Sebnem Duzyer Gebizli , Ahd Jadouh , Serpil Koral Koç , Ahmet Peksöz

https://doi.org/10.32710/tekstilvekonfeksiyon.1160359

Abstract

In this study, biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were copper (Cu) electroplated in a more environmentally friendly bath compared to conventional electroplating baths. The Cu-plating mechanism and determination of the optimum parameters for the production of Cu-plated PCL nanofiber mats were explained. PCL nanofibers were produced on metal frames by electrospinning. Cu-electroplating needs a conductive surface. To provide this, a gold/palladium mixing was sputtered on the PCL samples with different sputtering thicknesses. After determining the minimum sputtering thickness, the samples were Cu-plated for 1,3,5 and 30 minutes in the electroplating bath. Surface properties of the samples were evaluated after nanofiber production, Au/Pd sputtering and electroplating, respectively. Elemental analyses, mapping and electrical characterizations were also performed after electroplating. The Cu-coated areas gave a sheet resistance in the range of milliohms indicating a highly conductive structure. Every step of the study is described in detail to provide insight for further studies.

Keywords

Nanofiber, Electrospinning, Biodegradable Electronics, Copper Electroplating, Electrical Characterization

Supporting Institution

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)

Project Number

118M670

Thanks

This study is a part of Ahd Jadouh’s MSc thesis and it is also financially supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) with the project number of 118M670.

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